Mendez-Valdez presents problem for Illinois 'D'

"Last year, I was a role player doing the little things behind the scenes,'' he said. "Running the team, doing the things that don't show in the stats, the enforcer who gets everybody together, setting the tone. This year is a more bigger role.''

Yet what makes the senior from San Antonio special is his knowledge of the game and making the big play. Mendez-Valdez didn't lead his team in scoring but still won his league's top honor.

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